 What’s On August to November 2026
Our latest guide starts with events to fill your summer holidays calendar and will take you right through to things to do at your local library this autumn.
We've got a jam-packed programme of events from criminally good author talks and exhibitions, page to screen films, family theatre, heritage talks, live jazz, under‑5s sessions and more!
Pick up a copy of our new What's On guide at your local library or view it online.
Summer Reading Challenge
|
We’ll be inspiring children to explore the rhythm and melody of reading in the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge. Read to the Beat will celebrate music and sound – exploring how music and storytelling unite.
Children are invited to borrow and read library books over the summer. There are stickers to collect, with a medal and certificate for those who complete six reading goals (that they choose).
- For children aged four to 11 years
- Mini challenge for children aged three and under
- Saturday 4 July to Sunday 6 September 2026
- All libraries
|
|
 |
OFFBEAT Workshops
Join Inspire's Artist and Author in Residence Sian Watson and Ashley Thorpe this summer at a free family workshop!
Sian Watson will be running a playful workshop exploring how music can inspire movement and drawing. Work together to create a large collaborative dance drawing, using rhythm and sound to guide your marks, then transform your artwork into split-pin puppets that can move and dance along with the music.
Join Ashley Thorpe for a creative writing workshop, using popular songs as a inspiration for your own piece of writing. You'll explore the thoughts and feelings the music evokes to plan your story, focusing on genre, setting and character development.
- Free - Booking essential
- Monday 3 August to Friday 21 August
- Aimed at children seven years and above and their families
|
Crescendorious Presents: Kids to the Front
An interactive, inclusive, live band experience - full of kindness, fun and electrifying punk vibes.
Whilst on their tour across the universe, the aliens of The Boogie Woogie Space Junk Band crash-land in Nottinghamshire! They’re keen to discover where they are and to find their trusty supersonic space pig, Brian.
Only the kids have the energy, uniqueness and magic to propel the Space Junk Band’s debut electro-punk album into the stratosphere!
- For children aged three and over with their families (younger siblings welcome too)
- £4 (Booking essential)
- Touring Inspire Libraries
- Wednesday 12 August to Sunday 16 August 2026
|
Fun Palace
We're excited to announce the 2026 return of our ever-popular Fun Palace!
Worksop Library will join hundreds of Fun Palaces nationally and internationally set to explode with free and fun activities for all!
Come along and be part of the fun as you try out different arts, science, music and cultural activities aimed at anyone of any age.
- Free – No booking necessary
- Saturday 3 October
- 10am to 3pm
- Worksop Library
|
The books we love: Inspire’s Favourite Reads Panel event
Featuring poet, reading advocate and former presenter of the Notts TV Book Club Becky Cullen - a familiar figure in Nottingham’s literary scene - this lively panel event will delve into the Inspire Favourite Reads shortlist.
The evening will also explore the books the panel personally love - the titles they return to, recommend endlessly and would place on their own favourite reads lists. Expect an entertaining and thoughtful evening full of reading inspiration.
- £5 per person
- Thursday 27 August
- 7pm
- West Bridgford Library
|
Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery Exhibition
|
Delve into the remarkable life and legacy of the bestselling novelist of all time, Agatha Christie. As a Living Knowledge Network partner library, we are delighted to be hosting a taster of the exhibition opening at the British Library in October 2026. From her best-loved characters including Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, to her impact on crime writers today, unravel the secrets behind the Queen of Crime’s enduring appeal.
- Free to visit
- 30 October to 18 December
- Mansfield Central Library
|
|
 |
Crime Fiction Panel
|
Join our panel of crime authors for an evening of chat about crime fiction.
In the first half, the panel will be discussing the legendary Agatha Christie, while in the second half they’ll be talking about their own works.
- £5 per person
- Thursday 19 November
- 7pm
- Beeston Library
|
|
 |
Heritage Open Days
|
Exploring the varied and often overlooked stories of ordinary working people and their daily lives.
Welcome to England’s largest festival of history and culture! Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore.
Join us for behind-the-scenes tours at Nottinghamshire Archives, local history talks and escape room shenanigans at Archives Escape!
- Free (booking essential)
- Friday 11 to Sunday 20 September
- Nottinghamshire Archives, Retford, Worksop and Beeston Libraries
|
|
 |
I Am A Maker The Big Draw 2026: exhibition and family workshops
|
The artwork on display in the I Am A Maker exhibition showcases the story between professional makers and groups working in co-creation.
Empowering their inner maker, groups recognised themselves as creatives as they worked together to produce the work on display.
- Saturday 3 October to Sunday 15 November at Worksop Library
- Wednesday 18 November to Wednesday 23 December at Mansfield Central Library
|
|
 |
Family film day
|
Join us at Mansfield Central Library's first family film day! Watch Mansfield Town Film Festival's family friendly animated shorts in the auditorium with a bag of popcorn, get creative in our free activity area or book onto our under five's sensory film workshop 'Cinemini'.
The day is prefect for budding film enthusiastic and their families!
- Free
- Thursday 6 August
- 10:30am to 2pm
- Mansfield Central Library
|
|
 |
|
